Open in App
Try Pacer for Free
See All Photos

Balboa Park in San Diego | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Dog friendly · Forest · Pond

4.9 (4924 ratings)

Located in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park offers a picturesque and diverse environment for walkers and runners. With 1280.1 acres of lush greenery, gardens, and trails, this park ...

Located in the heart of San Diego, Balboa Park offers a picturesque and diverse environment for walkers and runners. With 1280.1 acres of lush greenery, gardens, and trails, this park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The park features a variety of routes, including the longest route spanning 2.7 miles, allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on their fitness levels and preferences. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a brisk run, Balboa Park has something for everyone. In addition to its natural beauty, Balboa Park boasts a range of amenities to enhance your walking or running experience. The park's well-maintained paths provide a comfortable surface for walking or jogging, while the scenic landscapes and architectural marvels offer a captivating backdrop for your activities. With multiple routes to explore, visitors can enjoy the park's diverse scenery, from tranquil gardens to open spaces, ensuring a rewarding and dynamic outdoor adventure. For walkers and runners seeking a blend of nature and urban charm, Balboa Park in San Diego is the ideal destination. Whether you are looking to increase your daily steps or engage in a challenging run, this expansive park caters to all activity levels. To discover more about the park's routes and information, users can download the Pacer Pedometer app, which provides detailed insights into park trails and resources to enhance your walking or running experience.

View MoreView More
Open in App for Detail
This park has a total of 111 photos
See All Photos
Overview
Check-in
Routes
Reviews (109)
Photos (111)

Walking and Running in Balboa Park

When it comes to enjoying a scenic and invigorating walking or running session, Balboa Park in San Diego is an ideal destination for fitness enthusiasts. With its extensive array of amenities and stunning natural beauty, this park provides the perfect setting for individuals looking to engage in physical activity. Whether ...

When it comes to enjoying a scenic and invigorating walking or running session, Balboa Park in San Diego is an ideal destination for fitness enthusiasts. With its extensive array of amenities and stunning natural beauty, this park provides the perfect setting for individuals looking to engage in physical activity. Whether you're a dedicated runner, a leisurely walker, or someone in between, Balboa Park offers something for everyone. From its wheelchair-friendly paths and abundant parking lots to its dog-friendly areas and numerous sports facilities such as golf courses, bike paths, swimming pools, baseball courts, tennis courts, and more, the park caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. Additionally, visitors can explore various attractions within the park, including museums, the San Diego Zoo, cultural centers, art installations, and more, providing a diverse and enriching experience. To top it off, the park offers convenient amenities such as cafes, restaurants, sheltered areas, bicycle parking, and rentals, ensuring that visitors can make the most of their time in the park. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to San Diego, Balboa Park is a fantastic location to incorporate walking or running into your lifestyle, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions.

View MoreView More

Other Info about Balboa Park

HoursOpen 24 hours
Phone(619) 239-0512
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balboa_Park_(San_Diego)
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/balboapark/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/BalboaPark/

Essential Amenities in Balboa Park

Playground
Picnic Site
Drinking water
Dog friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Balboa Park Sport Facilities

Basketball court
Tennis court
Baseball field
Padel court
Bocce ball court
Bike path
Stadium
Golf course
Swimming pool
Archery area

Accessibility in Balboa Park

Dogs allowed
Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Balboa Park

Attraction

Balboa Park Carousel

Attraction

Spanish Village Art Center

Attraction

San Diego Zoo Miniature Railroad

Attraction

House of China

Attraction

Lily Pond

Attraction

House of Czech and Slovak

Attraction

Lockheed A-12 Blackbird

Attraction

Moreton Bay Fig tree

Attraction

House of Norway

Attraction

House of Denmark

Attraction

House of Sweden

Attraction

House of Scotland

Attraction

Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart

Attraction

House of England

Attraction

House of Colombia

Attraction

House of Israel

Artwork

Bosatsu

Artwork

Rex's Roar

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

Museum

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Museum

Comic-Con Museum

Museum

Timken Museum of Art

Museum

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum

Museum

WorldBeat Cultural Center

Museum

Centro Cultural de la Raza

Museum

San Diego Natural History Museum

Museum

San Diego Museum of Art

Museum

Museum of Us

Museum

Veteran's Museum and Memorial Center

Museum

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Museum

Museum of Photographic Arts

Museum

Mingei International Museum

Museum

San Diego History Center

Memorial

Kate Sessions

Monument

El Cid

View More

Other Amenities in Balboa Park

Shelter

Cafe

Fast Food

Restaurant

Bicycle parking

Bicycle rental

Best Walking Routes in Balboa Park

#1 - Golden Hill Drive Park
21
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Golden Hill Drive Park is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Balboa Park
15
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Balboa Park is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Morley Field Playground
7
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Morley Field Playground is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

See All Routes
See All Routes

Reviews of Balboa Park

4.9/5
4924 ratings
🌻Jo-Jo ♎Feb 10, 2025
5

What a gorgeous day in San Diego! I’m having such a great time at Balboa Park, right next to the San Diego Zoo, and the view of downtown is just amazing. Absolutely loving it!

olivemadizJul 14, 2025
5

Tourist Spot Park. This Park is very big one of the famous park in San Diego California. People from all walks of life was here seeing beautiful structures etc…..

peter.marksJul 27, 2025
5

i discovered this little hidden gem of a park while driving to San Diego. Blink and you'll miss it. But Looks bigger on the inside than the outside.

See All Reviews (109)
See All Reviews (109)

Balboa Park Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
sombathv
956
Richard
562
mesaguy90
449
4Adam
184
5Lisa
146
6Kat
94
7PacerPal
87
8PacerPal
76
9Danilo
70
10Molly
67
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Plaza de Balboa
Morley Field Disk Golf Course
Bird Park
Luxor Canyon
Amici Park
32nd Street Canyon
Horton Plaza Park
Fault Line Park
Grant Hill Park

FAQs About Balboa Park

Where is the best place to walk in Balboa Park?

The best place to walk in Balboa Park is along the 2.7-mile route. This route has been highly rated by the Pacer community, offering a longer distance and a scenic walk through the park.

How many routes are in Balboa Park?

There are a total of 6 routes in Balboa Park, providing a variety of options for walkers and runners to explore the park and enjoy different lengths and landscapes.

Which is the longest route in Balboa Park?

The longest route in Balboa Park is the 2.7-mile route, offering a substantial distance for those looking for a more extended walking or running experience within the park.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in Balboa Park?

Yes, Balboa Park offers a range of amenities for walkers and runners, including wheelchair-friendly paths, several parking lots for easy access, dog-friendly areas, restrooms, drinking water stations, and leisure playgrounds for a variety of activities.

How accessible is Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is accessible for everyone, with wheelchair-friendly paths and being dog-friendly. The park also has designated parking lots and restrooms for convenience.

What kind of sports can I do in Balboa Park?

Balboa Park offers various sports facilities, including a golf course, bike paths, swimming pool, baseball court, archery area, boules court, basketball court, tennis court, padel court, and a stadium for sports enthusiasts.

What is the best season to walk in Balboa Park?

The best season to walk in Balboa Park is typically in the fall and spring when the weather is mild and pleasant.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Balboa Park?

In Balboa Park, you should prepare for warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It's advisable to bring sunscreen and water during the summer months and a light jacket or umbrella in the winter.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Balboa Park?

In Balboa Park, you may encounter various bird species, squirrels, and possibly rabbits. It's a good idea to be respectful of their space and enjoy observing them from a distance.

Last updated: Dec 5, 2025

Parks Near Balboa Park

Plaza de Balboa
Morley Field Disk Golf Course
Bird Park
Luxor Canyon
Amici Park
32nd Street Canyon
Horton Plaza Park
Fault Line Park
Grant Hill Park

Latest Check-ins at Balboa Park

mesaguy90Dec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025Walking
sombathvDec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025Walking
mmcpartlin20Dec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025Running
AdamDec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025Walking
sombathvDec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025Walking
sombathvDec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025Walking
mesaguy90Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025Walking
AdamDec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025Walking
sillybearsmomDec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025Manual
sombathvDec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Balboa Park

RankingCheck-ins
sombathv
956
Richard
562
mesaguy90
449
4Adam
184
5Lisa
146
6Kat
94
7PacerPal
87
8PacerPal
76
9Danilo
70
10Molly
67
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Balboa Park
#1- Golden Hill Drive Park
21
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Golden Hill Drive Park is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Balboa Park
15
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Balboa Park is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Morley Field Playground
7
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Morley Field Playground is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Nate's Point Dog Park
5
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m

Nate's Point Dog Park is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Balboa Park
3
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m

Balboa Park is a 2.7 mile (6,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Balboa Park

🌻Jo-Jo ♎Feb 10, 2025
5

What a gorgeous day in San Diego! I’m having such a great time at Balboa Park, right next to the San Diego Zoo, and the view of downtown is just amazing. Absolutely loving it!

olivemadizJul 14, 2025
5

Tourist Spot Park. This Park is very big one of the famous park in San Diego California. People from all walks of life was here seeing beautiful structures etc…..

peter.marksJul 27, 2025
5

i discovered this little hidden gem of a park while driving to San Diego. Blink and you'll miss it. But Looks bigger on the inside than the outside.

VictoriaSep 16, 2025
5

Nice place to walk around and enjoy the Lords creation!!🙏🏻

RobertApr 18, 2025
5

One of the best parks out there. Museums, Zoo, lawn, etc.

KrystalAug 13, 2025
5

Fantastic views, walkways and green areas

Symon1202Jun 2, 2025
5

One of the best city parks in the world!!

BrendaJun 9, 2025
5

One of my fav spots in SD ✨

dkovach2sdApr 9, 2019
4

Easy and comfortable

AndersonJun 25, 2024
5

HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIT

Ingrid MillanFeb 27, 2025
5

Fun walk :)

SelFitOct 27, 2025
5

Great park

deborahNov 28, 2025
5
ShyNov 12, 2025
5
sillybearsmomOct 29, 2025
5
ernestoOct 26, 2025
5
jacobrobinsonOct 21, 2025
5
TOct 11, 2025
5
ArmandoOct 1, 2025
5
AzMurseSep 4, 2025
5
LaurenSep 3, 2025
5
Khloe TrasquiAug 30, 2025
5
CynthiaAug 28, 2025
5
SarahAug 21, 2025
5
PrestonAug 3, 2025
5
TreyAug 3, 2025
5
lopez_maria1967Jul 15, 2025
5
WalterJul 5, 2025
5
dreamymac626Jun 28, 2025
5
CarlynJun 20, 2025
5
TheodoreJun 9, 2025
5
LiliyaMay 31, 2025
5
giliyar66May 24, 2025
5
OliviaMay 11, 2025
5
KatmereApr 26, 2025
5
sleepycatbereMar 16, 2025
5
PDQAgMar 15, 2025
5
ARAMar 11, 2025
5
Erick IvanMar 11, 2025
5
Bhuwan'sMar 8, 2025
5
Khailey-Lana Badua AlbanoMar 1, 2025
5
EricFeb 25, 2025
5
DannielFeb 23, 2025
5
ealvarezJan 11, 2025
5
PacerPalDec 30, 2024
5
danpellegrinoDec 21, 2024
5
AdamDec 12, 2024
5
AnthonyNov 29, 2024
5
TatianaNov 29, 2024
5
MoniqueOct 26, 2024
5
AngelOct 5, 2024
5
SamOct 5, 2024
5
YvonneSep 28, 2024
5
DanielSep 25, 2024
5
luperciomina681Sep 17, 2024
5
reeniebug56Sep 8, 2024
5
beccajeanSep 5, 2024
5
grant.harris111Aug 21, 2024
5
JebAug 18, 2024
5
mariaJul 30, 2024
5
lukbancJul 28, 2024
5
MirandaMay 31, 2024
5
RichardApr 4, 2024
5
mesaguy90Apr 2, 2024
5
KiraJul 17, 2023
5
edherrera89Jun 25, 2023
5
PacerPalMay 6, 2023
5
DaniloApr 6, 2023
5
Chato66Apr 5, 2023
5
Fang ShengApr 2, 2023
5
PacerGuy_1963Mar 29, 2023
5
RuthFeb 12, 2023
5
PacerGuy_1961Dec 19, 2022
5
DELETEDNov 6, 2022
5
PacerPalOct 24, 2022
5
mareMay 15, 2022
5
JessicaApr 2, 2022
5
RickyMar 20, 2022
5
PacerGuy_1985Mar 13, 2022
5
TylerMar 11, 2022
5
PacerPalOct 27, 2021
5
normenclatureSep 21, 2021
5
NyaJul 17, 2021
5
PacerPalJul 1, 2021
5
EvanJun 18, 2021
5
topknotch2800Jun 17, 2021
5
TomMarquisApr 18, 2021
5
ashleyjonescApr 13, 2021
5
MikeFeb 13, 2021
5
AdiFeb 9, 2021
5
mceuenkevinJan 7, 2021
5
RichJan 3, 2021
5
louierealbeanDec 4, 2020
5
VictoriaNov 25, 2020
5
cattlecallqueenOct 25, 2020
5
JulieOct 8, 2020
5
OthmanOct 7, 2020
5
ToddSep 12, 2020
5
toluca_1127Sep 11, 2020
5
drewfdubbsSep 9, 2020
5
ErikaJul 9, 2020
5
PacerPalJun 8, 2020
5
LiliaMay 8, 2020
5
AndresApr 23, 2020
5
BibliomanMar 24, 2025
4
francoAug 23, 2024
4
shyAug 14, 2024
4
NatalieAug 22, 2021
4
Arsenal2016Jul 26, 2020
4
4.9/5
4924 ratings

Photos of Balboa Park

pacer

Pacer Walking App

Pacer is the best walking app for walking challenges and finding places to walk near me.

Start Your Joyful Steps in New Parks
The Best Walking App
1.8M+ 5-star ratings
100M+ global downloads
Scan to download free
Open in App
pacer logoclose icon